Ordinance outlines new standards for dilapidated housing

We've touted the hometown spirit of our community many times, and with good reason.

Walk around McCook on one of this week's wonderful evenings, and houses that are dilapidated and run-down are far outnumbered by homes in which someone takes obvious pride.

It's probably only natural that city officials have been slow in cracking down on homes that have fallen into disrepair. Yes, there have been isolated cases, but they are relatively rare.

The problem has needed attention, however, and a new, tougher, more specific ordinance is working its way through the City Council.

The ordinance sets guidelines for authorities to follow when dealing with structures that are unsafe or a public nuisance.

Owners of neighboring property might argue that the authorities have been too reasonable, while we're sure others think officials have been too heavy-handed.

The economy has declined, however, and many homeowners who formerly had the money -- or could borrow the money -- to repair or improve their homes, are now struggling just to make mortgage payments.

We trust the officials involved will be reasonable when dealing with owners of the property involved, which they generally have been in the past.

For 14 potential homebuyers with decent jobs, but who might not otherwise be able to afford a downpayment or closing costs, some help is now available from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development via the McCook Economic Development Corp.

Those who work for participating employers -- so far they include Valmont, McCook National Bank, Community Hospital and AmFirst Bank -- can get a total of $7,500 toward a downpayment and/or closing costs on home loans.

To qualify, households must earn at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, attend a homebuyer education class and meet other requirements.

Contact the MEDC at (308) 345-1200 or e-mail rex @mccookne.org for more information.

Even with a slow economy, the American dream of owning one's own home is alive and well.